Crystal Cruises Sold To Star Cruises Parent Company

The luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has made an agreement to be sold to Genting Hong Kong for 550 million US dollars.

Crystal Cruises will join Norwegian Cruise Lines and Star Cruises which Hong Kong based travel company Genting already owns. With the companies vast experience within the travel industry it can only benefit Crystal Cruises. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

“After 25 successful years with NYK, we are excited to have Genting Hong Kong as the new owner of Crystal Cruises,” said Edie Rodriguez, President and COO of Crystal Cruises. “The proposed expansion of our fleet will present our loyal Crystal Society members and new luxury cruise guests with more itinerary options, accommodation choices and exceptional vacation experiences, as we continue to position Crystal as the innovative leader in global luxury cruising. Additionally, Crystal’s veteran leadership, management and crew will continue to focus on our award-winning guest service and our strong partnership with the travel agent community – which now has a greater opportunity to grow their business with a larger menu of Crystal product offerings.”

With the acquisition the cruise industry will even see the luxury cruise line expand from its current fleet that already includes Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. A new luxury cruise ship is to be built using Gentings experience in new ship builds. NCL and Star Cruises both have new vessel on the way but further details on Crystal Cruises upcoming ship have not yet been revealed.

“Crystal Cruises offers the epitome of luxury cruising and the service standard which all other cruise lines aspire to,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman, CEO and Acting President of GHK. “The current management team and crew will continue to lead Crystal Cruises. Genting will provide financial resources and proven expertise in innovative ship design to build a new ship that will set the highest standard in luxury cruise ships. This new ship, together with Crystal’s legendary six-star service, will reinforce Crystal Cruises’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury cruise line for decades to come.”

Let us know in the comments below what you think of the new purchase and what new cruise ship you would like to see built.